New K&N Air Filter BM-2605

[tr33houseman]

Hey everyone! I recently purchased and... kinda installed a new K&N air filter on my 1987 BMW K75. Simple enough. It seems to be seated correctly however my clips to hold the top half of the air filter box to the lower half don't seem to stay clipped. Specifically the one closest to the engine oil fill cap. If anyone has installed this air filter would you be able to take a picture of how its seated in your air box?

I tried to follow the instructions from K&N about the specific way you're supposed to move the filter "an inch past the air box and then pull it back" into place but this doesn't seem practical or applicable. I didn't even have to remove the top of the box to fit the filter in; I just slid the new filter between the top and bottom of the air box with a little pushing while prying the top half of the air box out of the way. The top half is seated in the groove all the way around.

It seems seated correctly but two of my clips seem to pop back off from the locked down position. Specifically the clip closest to the oil fill cap. Let me know what you think. Thanks for your time and advice everyone!

[Laitch]

Let me know what you think.

My favorite request! Maybe it's either upside down, backwards or both. There should be an arrow indicating Up and it should be to the rear where it can be seen. The OEM filters have it

[Laitch]

Let's review the procedure.

[tr33houseman]

I appreciate your help, i double checked my filters orientation. It seems correct

The OEM filter and K both have the arrow but the K&N instructions describe thats it goes to the FRONT of the bike.

The two air filters are very different in thickness as well. The right hand side of the stock filter has no lip on the top where as the K&N filter has a lip around the entire top. It seats in nicely but its to thick. To get the clips to close all the way i have to hold them hard with my fingers and as soon as i let go they pop back off.

[Laitch]

I appreciate your help, i double checked my filters orientation. It seems correct

Well, at least you've purchased the finest air filter money can buy.  :euro  The instructions are explicit so I guess this is just one of those occasions where you remove, inspect, replace, and jog it ad nauseam until—suddenly—it fully complies. Be certain there isn't a bird nest in the bottom of the air box impeding its fit.

[Martin]

You have already found the problem when you stated the two filters are of different thickness. The K&N is thinner therefore the clips won't pull it down enough.  Putting a larger bend in the clips would seem to be the answer. However first make sure you have the correct filter. A few owners have fitted these and it is the first time I have heard of this problem. The OEM filters seem to last extremely well by just blowing them out at service intervals, how bad was the one you removed.
Regards Martin.

[Brad-Man]

Personally, I question the need for a K&N filter...

The stock paper filter has more flow capacity than the engine needs so no advantage to the aftermarket one.

And I think he pointed out that the K&N was thicker where the clips are which would cause a problem with the clips being forced too wide to do their job.

[Laitch]

And I think he pointed out that the K&N was thicker where the clips are which would cause a problem with the clips being forced too wide to do their job.

He did. K&N asserts that the filter is a direct replacement for the stock one and needs no modifications, but the instructions must be followed exactly. From what I can see of the installation diagram it's an interesting process and will probably work if understood and the part is the correct one. Time to contact the help desk, maybe.

[tr33houseman]

I've tried a few times and i dont think this filter is a direct match to the OEM. The instructins describe it as though it would be a direct match but the lip on the right side of the filter is different from the OEM. Makes me sad cause i bought this fron advance and i dont have the reciept. Hopefully theyll still take it back. Seems like a great filter but yeah... Definitely not going to fit unless i used slightly larger clips. I would REALLY love to see if anyone has actually installed this K&N BM-2605 filter on thier older K Bike.

To answer Brad man, I was completely happy with the OEM filter but i figured id try the K&N because its washable. Thought i might pamper Rosco (my K75) a little as well.

Laitch, i think youre right. Im going to call K&N and see what they recommend. The instructions provided are silly when you apply them to the BM- 2605 filter.
Also, no birds nest, just a lot of air that unfortunately is NOT being pulled through an air filter into my engine cause... well you know the story so far :-) I think im just going to order from Beemer bone yard and hopefully get my money back.

Martin, the K&N is thicker but still the same concept. Youre right though, that is definitely the problem the clips will not secure it properly. I believe its the correct filter. Printed on the side is BM-2605

Thanks for your guys hlep. Ill keep you updated. Please let me know if you have more ideas or input.

[Martin]

The K&N offers no advantage I would stick to the OEM. As stated all I do is blow mine out, I still have my original filter which is still perfectly serviceable. I have only fitted the spare one because I had it.
Regards Martin.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Last winter I put these guys in all my bricks.  They fit perfect and should be good for as long as I'll be riding them.

https://www.amazon.com/MAHLE-Original-LX-75-Filter/dp/B0068O1MNG/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=BMW%7C31&Model=K75RT%20ABS%7C18266&Year=1994%7C1994&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&newVehicle=1&s=automotive&vehicleId=1&vehicleType=motorcycle

[Filmcamera]

They fit perfect and should be good for as long as I'll be riding them.

I have one as well, fits great

[jaxon]

Kirk must have owned a Classic K.

One think comes to mind...

[tr33houseman]

 Hahahaha that meme is awesome! Kirk was a badass. Yeah i plan to purchase the Mahle air filter if i can get this K&N thing returned.

Thank you guys for all your help and input. I probably wont be checking this thread as much once i get my new Mahle but if someone comes across this, please post whether or not you personally have actually fit a K&N filter into an older K75 and how you did it. My 75 is an 87 Thank you for your time!

[stokester]

The K&N offers no advantage I would stick to the OEM. As stated all I do is blow mine out, I still have my original filter which is still perfectly serviceable. I have only fitted the spare one because I had it.
Regards Martin.

I agree with Martin that I see no real advantage to a K&N filter on a brick although I don't blow my OEM out, changing it every 25k seems to work for me and Beemer Boneyard has them for $30.

Not to start a flame but I've seen a number of automotive problems (dirty MAF among others) from the use of K&N filters to save a few dollars over disposable OEMs.  Check out Snowbum's missive -> http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/k-and-n-filters.htm